Today I present to you the Tapir!
Tapir's are amazingly interesting beings. When I visited the Amazon rainforest years ago I was lucky enough to see one in the flesh. The Tapir just waltzed into the dining room of our camp! I was ecstatic!
Tapir's are related to the rhinoceros and the horse. They have an unusual body part that resembles a trunk - the prehensile nose. This appendage actually allows the Tapir to grasp and hold objects. The prehensile nose is used to grasp foliage and as a snorkel when swimming as they dive deep below to feed on aquatic plants. They are seed dispersers and are found in old growth forest.
There are 4 types of Tapir most of which are in Central and South America (Baird's, Mountain and Lowland Tapir). One species is found in Malaysia (Malaysian Tapir). Gestation is quite long - about 13 months. Tapirs have 4 toes on their front feet and 3 toes on their hinds.
Look at how gorgeous this baby Tapir is! They are striped! At six months of age these dappled markings disappear and the young ones tend to look more adult like.
Generally speaking there is little evidence of predators feasting on Tapir, however, it is speculated that large cats and anacondas may be among those that would dine on these large creatures whose life span is between 25-30 years. A group of Tapir is called a 'candle'.
Tapirs are endangered and much of this is created by habitat loss (man encroaching) and hunting.
I feel so privileged to have seen one in the wild!
References:-
http://www.tapirs.org/tapirs/tapir-faq.html
https://www.expertsure.com/2009/09/25/15-cool-facts-about-tapirs-plus-photo-gallery/
